Dental industry criticises new government obesity strategy

The government's new strategy for tackling obesity in children has been met with widespread disappointment from the dental industry.

Dental associations and charities have hit out at the "watered-down" plans, which have been criticised for its focus on voluntary rather than mandatory measures, as well as the omission of steps to limit price promotions and advertising for sugary products.

Organisations such as the British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy, Denplan and the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry have lamented the lack of focus on tooth decay in the new plans, as well as the perceived influence of food and drink industry lobbyists.

The Faculty of General Dental Practice UK and Faculty of Dental Surgery both praised the confirmation of a new tax on sugary drinks, but added that more needs to be done to curb the UK's spiralling sugar crisis.

Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive officer of the Oral Health Foundation, said: "We are incredibly disappointed but, sadly, not surprised by this move. The government continues to ignore the children's oral health crisis."

Mick Armstrong, chair of the British Dental Association, concurred with this view, saying: "It will take more than half-measures to deal with the sugar crisis."

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